Urban Deer Archery Regulations Fact Sheet

PURPOSE:

Many cities and towns in West Virginia are experiencing problems with deer vehicle collisions and damage to ornamental shrubs and gardens due to increasing deer populations. Recognizing that the only practical and economical way to reduce deer herds within urban areas and housing developments is by hunting, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources enacted regulations allowing incorporated cities, towns, villages and homeowners associations the opportunity to have a more liberal deer archery season along with a bonus bag limit. This special deer season in no way supersedes local regulations or community prohibitions on hunting.

LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY:

Legislative Rule, Title 58, Series 45

3.3.b. Special urban deer archery season. This season, which may be implemented within incorporated limits of a city, town or village, opens 21 days prior to the opening of the statewide deer archery season and closes on the last day in December. This special deer season will in no way supersede local regulations or community prohibitions on hunting. The governing entity shall notify the Director by August 1 of their intentions to participate in the special urban deer archery season during that year. All participating hunters are required to have a valid base hunting license or be exempt from having to purchase a base hunting license.

3.3.b.1 This season may also be implemented within incorporated homeowners associations that have defined boundaries. The governing entity of these associations shall submit a letter to the Director prior to March 1 of the year that the hunt is requested. Based on a field review, the Director may or may not grant the request. This special deer season will in no way supersede local regulations or community prohibitions on hunting.

3.3.b.2. Deer taken during this special season, shall not apply to the regular archery deer season bag limit under Section 3.9 of these rules.

3.3.b.3. The bag limit for all incorporated cities, towns, villages and homeowners associations is seven deer which may include no more than two antlered deer and the first deer must be antlerless.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Any incorporated city, town or village may participate in is special urban deer archery season. Incorporated homeowners associations may also participate with approval of the Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

HOW DO WE GET STARTED?

Wildlife Biologists and Natural Resource Police Officers within the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are available to help guide you through the process of implementing a hunt.

HOW DOES A CITY IMPLEMENT A HUNT?

Most cities have chosen to implement an archery hunt by special ordinances or rules. Some examples or regulations that cities have chosen to implement include the following:

Removal of ordinances concerning illegal projectiles.

Issue permits to participate in the hunt.

Require special permission from landowners.

Prohibit hunting on Saturdays.

Establish hunting zones.

Require bowhunter education class attendance.

Establish special residence requirements.

Charge administrative fees.

WHAT OTHER REGULATIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED?

All other Division of Natural Resources’ rules and regulations governing hunting apply to the special urban deer season.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SPECIAL URBAN DEER ARCHERY SEASON PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING WEST VIRGINIA DIVISION OF NATURAL RESOURCES’ OFFICES: